Beer is one of the most widely consumed drinks. Few would question its worldwide appeal but I want to show you what the numbers say. So let me take you through some Census Bureau stats at data.census.gov and USA Trade Online.

First, let’s check out the Economic Censuses for 2007, 2012 and 2017 to view the growth in U.S. beer-making establishments. Breweries, according to NAICS code 312120, are part of an “industry that comprises establishments primarily engaged in brewing beer, ale, malt liquors and nonalcoholic beer.” There were 398 of these establishments in the United States in 2007 with a reported total value of $21.2 billion in sales, shipments, receipts, revenues or business.

Sounds impressive – and it was at the time. But those numbers would skyrocket over the next decade, climbing to 869 breweries with a total of $28.3 billion in annual sales, shipments, receipts, revenues or business in 2012. And just five years later, jumping 280% to 3,303 establishments with $30.1 billion in annual sales, shipments, receipts, revenues or business.

So that is what we are brewing domestically. But what is going on elsewhere in the world? Let’s look at some international trade data on what Schedule B/HS 220300 defines as “beer made from malt” (without additives) using the same time frame, 2007-2017.

On the export side, the thirst for domestic beer grew internationally, raising the value from $251.4 million exported in 2007 to $448.4 million in 2012 to $685.5 million in 2017. That is a 53% increase. Canada and South/Central America were the largest consumers of domestic beer exports, between 2013 and 2017. Imports saw an increase, too, but not as big as the export side. In 2007, imports of beer were $3.6 billion. This inched up to $3.7 billion in 2012 and rose 37% to $5 billion in 2017. The largest imports came from Mexico, the Netherlands and Ireland.